sharing sustainability

Equity and local economy (part 2)

A2Dominion is developing the eco-town at NW Bicester. Elmsbrook, the first phase, is an endorsed One Planet Community, which means it has a One Planet Action Plan that has been reviewed and approved by environmental charity Bioregional. For the Equity and local economy principle, the One Planet Action Planstates:

” 30% of housing to be affordable. Creation of 430 jobs on-site over five years and a further 100 jobs in easy walking/cyclcing distance, 13 apprenticeships including ten in construction. Create vibrant local economy. Eco Business Centre to act as hub for start-up businesses. Training and volunteering opportunities linking with local colleges and groups. Local Management Organisation to be created with a democratic constitution.”

“On-Site job creation
o 430 new jobs to be created on-site over five years
o 50 new construction jobs, 20% will be local labour
o 100 additional new jobs off-site, in walking or cycling distance

Key jobs to be created on and around the development
o On-site retail, construction and a variety of retrofit jobs created town-wide as a result of the Exemplar (Elmsbrook)
o Community services including; nursery, teaching and related jobs in new primary school to be created and promoted to local residents via the Job Club and Job Centre Plus
o Home working encouraged with fibre-optic broadband. The Eco Business Centre to offer hot-desking, meeting rooms, business support and conference facilities
o Aspiration to create a new role for a ‘Community and Environment Officer’ and 10 ‘Green Champions’
o An estimated 60 new jobs in Bicester as a result of business growth and inward investment, all within walking / cycling distance

Emphasising the provision of high quality jobs and training opportunities
o Deliver an employment and training management plan to support apprenticeships and work placement opportunities to local residents in partnership with existing providers
o Ten construction apprenticeships, at least three others in landscape management, security and catering
o Work with local institutions to develop courses relating to eco-construction

Working with local plans and key stakeholders
o A2Dominion are working closely with Cherwell District Council and Bicester Town Council to respond to the One Shared Vision
o A ‘local business portal’ to encourage supply of products and services from local businesses has been established, working with the Chamber of Commerce and Bicester Vision
o Partnerships to be built with voluntary sector, training providers, local schools to deliver education and training
o Partnership with the Midcounties Co-op is under development

Developing the green economy
o Environmental goods and services to be available on site
o Support offered to incubate start-up green businesses
o Provision of up to 1,110 square metres of high quality, small office space in the Village Centre
o Promoting purchase of fair trade goods in local shops

Financial inclusion
o 30% of all dwellings to be Affordable Homes
o A2Dominion to support delivery of workshops on budgeting and myth-busting; demonstrating health and well-being benefits of low impact lifestyle choices
o Shared ownership schemes to be made available
o 11 self-finish units will offer the opportunity for home buyers to train in a trade and complete their home”